Assessing perceptions of various stakeholders on climate change mitigation and adaptation in rural areas in Cameroon : the use of ICTs

Abstract

The threat of climate change is a global issue that requires international attention. These impacts affect agricultural production, with smallholder farmers recording lower yields as rainfall patterns change and the temperatures increase. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential contributions of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to climate change adaptation and, where applicable, mitigation efforts in rural areas, with a specific emphasis on agricultural adaptation. This qualitative case study was based on three focus group discussions with 30 smallholder farmers in the Koung-Khi department of Western Cameroon. Participants were selected purposively, and the data were analysed thematically using NVivo software. The results indicate that the absence of modern technologies limits rural communities’ ability to adapt to climate change. Additionally, many rural communities require more financial resources to invest in modern technologies to help them adapt to climate change-related impacts. To address the high risks of climate change to agriculture and food security in rural settings, national policies and institutions should develop ICT-based national programs for smallholder farmers and producers. People have gained a deeper understanding of how modern technologies can adapt to climate change, enabling them to diversify and produce crops under various circumstances. Governments and development agencies should promote and support rural adaptation and mitigation by investing in modern technology.